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Tuesday, 02 December 2008

Springboks refuse to wield the axe

29/08/2008 5:53:00 AM.  | 
Springboks coach Peter de Villiers has resisted the temptation to make mass changes to his struggling side for Saturday's Tri-Nations Test against Australia in Johannesburg.

De Villiers has made only forced changes to the side that lost the first Test at home to Australia in eight last years last Saturday in Durban.

Odwa Ndungane comes in for injured winger JP Pietersen, while Brian Mujati moves from the bench to start in place of suspended prop CJ van der Linde.

On the bench, Jannie du Plessis comes in as the new prop and lock Danie Rossouw is also back from injury, meaning Joe van Niekerk has been omitted.

Ruan Pienaar comes onto the bench for concussed Francois Steyn.

World Cup star Bryan Habana has failed to overcome a hamstring injury.

De Villiers and the world champion Springboks are under massive pressure at home after winning just one of their five Tri-Nations matches.

"We need to win this game for South Africa, the coaching staff and all those involved with the Boks," captain Victor Matfield said.

"We certainly don't want to get together at the end of the year (before the Boks go to Europe) still asking ourselves questions about our game.

"We need to build some confidence now and ensure we take the chances we create this weekend."

Australia won 27-15 at ABSA Stadium last Saturday and this week will seek to win back-to-back Tests in the Republic for the first time since 1963.

South Africa: Conrad Jantjes, Odwa Ndungane, Adrian Jacobs, Jean de Villiers, Jongi Nokwe, Butch James, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield (capt), Andries Bekker, Brian Mujati, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira. Res: Adriaan Strauss, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Luke Watson, Ricky Januarie, Ruan Pienaar, Percy Montgomery.

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